Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-02-23
LABOR CONFERENCE.
GATHERING OF THE EArIosAL BODY
AT CINCINNATI.
Three Hundred Delegates Present-Tem-
porary Organisation Efscted-Ad-
dress Of welcome-various
Committees Appointed.
(By telegraph to the DIspsich.l

dustrial Labor Conference, called by
the meeting held in Indianapolis last
September, was to have met In Music
Hall to-day at noon. At that hour
local time) the doors were yet closed,
and knot Of half q hundred delegates
stood on the steps awaiting admission.
Within the great hall was silent and
tenantless. Placards were placed
in the aisles with the names
of the States on them as guides
for seating delegates. Two United
States flags, crossed in front OF the
Speakers desk, formed the sole attempt
at decoration. Half an hour later two
decorators appeared with two long
strips of muslin with flag designspr
ed on them and proceeded In leisure
manner to stretch them across the
stage. Before this was accomplished
the doors were opened and the dele
gates to this first convention of the new
party began to take their seats.
A novel feature of the delegation is
the presence of ten female delegates.
They took seats, not in bunch, but
among the men of their proper States,
and appeared to be entirely at home
in their new business. Among them
are Miss Marion Todd, Of Battle Creek,
Mich. Mrs. Heath, of Chicago, and
Mrs. DR.. Severance, of Milwaukee.
While the delegates gathered the
Committee on Organization was en-
gagged in choosing temporary chair
man. Richard Trevellick was re-
elected, but declined on account of his
connection with the Knights of Labor
as national lecturer.
At ] o'clock b. S. Heath, OF Chicago,
chairman of the Executive Committee,
called the Convention to order. At
that time there were about 800 delegates
seated and a very sparse attendance of
spectators.
Mr.. Heath said it was customary and
proper on such occasions as this to be-
gin by invoking the Divine blessing.
A voice 81 object"
Rev. Mr.. Lockwood, of the Baptist
church of this city, offered a brief
prayer
The secretary called the roll of States
and received reports of the condition of
representation of the various States
California, Louisiana, Maine, Nevada,
South Carolina, and Vermont were not
represented. Illinois reported sixty
five delegates present
Mr.. Heath named Richard Trevel-
lick as temporary chairman, and he
was elected unanimously.
Mr.. Trevellick was cheered as he
took the stage, but before he as
sumed the chair hip Rev. c. NJ.
Lockwood ms address of well
come. His .Ition of DR.. McGlynn
was cheered. He went on to
speak of the dirty-physical, moral,
and political 49, condition of this
city. The first could not be helped,
and the other two were related.
Dirty morals made dirty politics.
He predicted for the earnest
advocates of the needs of the
workingmen respectful hearing not only
in legislatures, but in editorial Offices
as well, where mud-1inging articles
are giving way TO long columns of labor
news. Speaking Of the aim of this
meeting, he saidit represented the iRte-
rest of the wOrkmen. It's chief trou-
bic was with the lobby, which repre-
sented class that bought class legisla-
ton. Speaking of labor organization
(Which he favored) he said the riot ut
Pittsburgh was the result Of labor un-
organized, The peaceful silrsiike in New
, .orK was the result of labor organized,
Applause
The Convention by rising vote gave
thanks for "the minister who had the
courage to speak as this minister had
done"
President Trevellick in assuming the
chair counselled courtesy, good will,
and good business methods. He then
said that he was in doubt concerning
the propriety of accepting this honor,
but at the last moment felt it his duty
to obey the wishes of the delegates.
He wanted to say that he was with
them in obedience to the law, but not
to defy the law.
Committees were ordered and ap-
pointed, composed of one from each
State, on permanent organization, rules,
order of business, resolutions and plat
form, national committee.
b The original committee of thirteen
was appointed permanent committee
on credentials. These are Thomas A.
Armstrong, of Pennsylvania b. S.
Heath, of Illinois; George r. Jones,
of Wisconsin j. ID. Cole, of Kansas
Ferdinand Seeger, of New York ; John
NJ. Potter, of Michigan; Isaac Free
man, of Ohio; S. 7. Douglass, of In
diana; j. G.. Greenleaf, of New Hamp-
shire j. NJ. Loidley, of West Virginia
John II. Winston, of North Carolina
4. NJ. West, of Mississippi C. E.
Cunningham, of Arkansas.
The Committee on Permanent Or
ganization reported for president, A. j.
Sheator, of Illinois ior vice-president,
Richard +. Trevellick, of Michigan,
and list of other officers. The report
was adopted, and Streator made an adj
dress.